Rafah Crossing Reopens After Two-Year Closure, Easing Gaza-Egypt Movement Under Strict Scrutiny

February 1 — After being sealed for over two years, the Rafah border crossing—a crucial lifeline for the Gaza Strip—partially reopened on Sunday morning, permitting limited movement of people under a new, stringent Israeli security regime. The reopening follows last week's completion of a hostage return process tied to an October ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Israeli authorities confirmed the crossing resumed operations following a trial period, with full passenger movement scheduled to begin Monday. Priority will be given to Palestinians requiring urgent medical care outside Gaza, according to reports from Al-Jazeera. An Israeli security official told CNN that initial daily quotas would allow 150 departures and 50 entries, with all individuals subject to intense screening regarding their purpose of travel.

"The Rafah crossing has reopened for the movement of people only," stated the Israeli Coordinator for Government Activities in the Territories in a social media post. "Movement of residents in both directions is expected to begin tomorrow."

The crossing's closure dates back to May 2024, when Israeli forces took control, alleging Hamas used the route to transport operatives and materials. Its seizure severely hampered the flow of humanitarian supplies into Gaza during the subsequent conflict, exacerbating the enclave's dire conditions following the October 2023 attacks.

While the ceasefire pact included provisions to reopen Rafah, Israel had insisted on the return of all hostages taken on October 7 as a precondition—a condition met only last week. Notably, Israeli officials indicated that Palestinians who left Gaza during the war may now apply to return, pending additional security checks.

Despite Israel's emphasis that the reopening is solely for individuals, imagery captured by NBC News showed trucks apparently carrying humanitarian aid entering Gaza from the Egyptian side. Meanwhile, medical facilities on the Egyptian border have been preparing to receive critically ill and injured Palestinians slated for evacuation.

Analysis & Background: The reopening, however limited, represents a fragile diplomatic step. Rafah is Gaza's only border crossing not directly controlled by Israel, making it a symbol of Palestinian civilian mobility. Its operational status is a key barometer of Israeli-Palestinian relations. While easing movement for some, the intense screening and low quotas underscore ongoing security tensions. The observed aid trucks suggest possible informal flexibility, yet sustained humanitarian access remains a critical, unresolved issue for Gaza's reconstruction.

Voices & Reactions:

• Dr. Layla Hassan, a public health researcher based in Amman: "This is a desperately needed opening for medical evacuations. The healthcare system in Gaza has been decimated. Every life saved through this corridor matters, but the quotas are woefully inadequate given the scale of need."
• David Chen, a security analyst with the Middle East Policy Institute: "The structured reopening reflects Israel's attempt to balance humanitarian pressures with legitimate security imperatives. The screening mechanisms will be the true test of its long-term viability."
• Mark Russo, a former diplomat and commentator: "This is a cynical, token gesture. Allowing a handful of people through after years of collective punishment does not absolve the blockade's devastating impact. Where is the unimpeded aid? This is PR, not policy."
• Samira Khalil, a journalist in Cairo: "For families separated by the closure, this flicker of hope is everything. But the joy is tempered by anxiety over the arduous approval process and the fear this window could slam shut again with any escalation."